Abstract
BackgroundDespite many Australian universities introducing smoke-free policies on campus, there is little information about staff and students understanding of smoking on campus in the context of the implementation of a smoke-free policy.ObjectiveThis research explores the qualitative views of university staff and students about smoking on campus during the implementation of a smoke-free policy.MethodsIn 2016, an electronic survey was distributed to all current staff and students of a large university in Queensland, Australia during the implementation of a smoke-free policy. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions about demographics, tobacco use, attitudes towards smoking, awareness of and attitudes towards the policy, and intentions to quit smoking. The final question asked for a short, open-ended response: “Would you like to comment on the issue of smoking on QUT* campuses?” This question was extracted from the survey and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. This paper reports the findings from this question. *Queensland University of Technology.ResultsThe survey was completed by 641 staff and students. There were 351 responses to the final question. Five inductive themes emerged about smoking on campus during the implementation of a smoke-free policy: 1) the watering down of the policy, if it is not enforced, 2) the creation of hot spots on campus boundaries affecting those who pass by, 3) concern, especially by those who don’t smoke, about the impact on smokers emotional health and welfare, 4) disagreement about the value of designated smoking areas and 5) suggestions about how to better implement the policy.ConclusionOverall, participants views about smoking on campus during the implementation of a smoke free policy suggest broad agreement but reflect concerns about enforcement, boundaries, non-smokers and designated areas. Consistent and systematic processes for implementation, maintenance and enforcement of policy goals, and cessation support, is needed to create a non-smoking culture on university campuses.
Highlights
In 2016, approximately 3 million (14.9%) Australians aged 14 years and over were current daily, less often than weekly or weekly smokers
In 2016, an electronic survey was distributed to all current staff and students of a large university in Queensland, Australia during the implementation of a smoke-free policy
Participants views about smoking on campus during the implementation of a smoke free policy suggest broad agreement but reflect concerns about enforcement, boundaries, non-smokers and designated areas
Summary
In 2016, approximately 3 million (14.9%) Australians aged 14 years and over were current daily, less often than weekly or weekly smokers. Using a variety of strategies, including smoke-free legislation and policies, bans on advertising, plain packaging, price increases, restriction on sales to minors and public education, Australia has been successful in reducing smoking prevalence [1]. Since the late1980s, all Australian states and territories have progressively implemented smoke-free legislation, banning smoking in workplaces and many public spaces such as sporting venues, shopping centres, restaurants, and building entryways [2]. Many organisations, including several Australian universities, have implemented comparable policies. A similar trend towards the implementation of smoke-free legislation and policies has been observed internationally. In 2012, Hyland et al [7] estimated approximately 11% of the world’s population live in countries with smoke-free legislation and / or policies. Despite many Australian universities introducing smoke-free policies on campus, there is little information about staff and students understanding of smoking on campus in the context of the implementation of a smoke-free policy
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